ICI has been providing group relations conferences on questions of difference for the past eight years with the intention to support members’ learning about their (un)conscious thoughts and behaviour and in fostering a curious regard for one another. 

As group relations conferences have  explored questions related to oppression; racism, colonialism, and intersectionality, adaptations to group relations methodologies have flourished in the past several years along with the vituality that the pandemic made possible resulting in great accessibility.  These adaptations have included: story telling; shifting the stance of the consultant; the role of staff, movement sessions, music, padlets as ways to deepen exploration - not only of authority, but other issues as they relate to questions of authority. 

Jo-anne Carlyle, Janelle Joseph, David Luna (Mak Wemuk); Evangeline Sarda, Simon Western and Barbara Williams will animate a dialogue on innovations towards social justice in group relations conferences. Their opening conversation will be followed by small group discussions and a plenary.

These questions include and are not limited to: 

• How do the group relations methodologies replicate the structures of colonialism and oppression?

• What are the politics of group relations practices?

• What is required for learning about unconscious processes as they impinge on social justice issues?

• How do we explore questions of oppression experientially without recreating oppressive relationships that marginalize and stress members?

• How do group relations adaptations shift reflections on constructions of authority in relation to oppression?

This event is primarily intended for directors and staff of groups relations conferences that have specifically explored these issues and adaptations in an effort to foster learning  across oppression as a step towards social justice. Others are welcome to join the conversation.